TypeScript & Relevance

Web development often involves a constant search for the perfect tools. We strive for optimal solutions, prioritizing efficiency and rapid progress. This pursuit, however, can sometimes lead to a preoccupation with technology, overshadowing other crucial aspects.

Many developers grapple with Imposter Syndrome – the feeling of inadequacy despite success. A related, mid-career challenge is what I call "Relevance Syndrome." It arises from a persistent need to prove worth, often manifested in an overemphasis on technical skills at the expense of softer skills. This constant striving for relevance can fuel endless debates about tooling.

Speaking from experience, I've recently embraced TypeScript. After a year, I appreciate its benefits. Let's examine its core function to illustrate a broader point.

TypeScript enforces type safety. Consider a simple JavaScript multiplication function:

const product = (x, y) => x * y;

Calling this with non-numeric arguments, like product('A', 'B'), would lead to unexpected results, only detectable during runtime. TypeScript prevents this by specifying types:

const product = (x: number, y: number) => x * y;

Now, incorrect argument types will cause a build failure, eliminating runtime errors. Achieving this requires meticulous type definition throughout the codebase.

This process can be viewed in two ways:

? Like organizing a well-structured bookshelf – creating a clear, easily accessible system.

?‍♂️ Or, like forcing a child into unwanted activities – rigid, unforgiving, and potentially stifling creativity.

Both perspectives offer valuable lessons. A well-organized codebase is efficient, but overly rigid processes can hinder innovation.

Let's return to the theme of relevance. The pressure to be perfectly prepared before starting a project, to anticipate every potential failure, is immense. This self-imposed pressure mirrors the rigidity of TypeScript's type system. While beneficial for software, this level of self-criticism is unsustainable and unhealthy.

We all make mistakes. These "1" "1" = "11" moments are human and, in their own way, insightful. Embrace them; striving for absolute perfection is impossible.

This past year, I believe I've learned not just TypeScript, but also how to learn. I aim to maintain a flexible approach, embracing both structure and spontaneity.

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